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If you read yesterday’s post, this is just a continuation. This one to my second-born.
Dear Ainsley,
You are my sunshine! You have such a sweet personality, full of joy and full of life. More often than not I hear you singing while going about your daily routine. Whether you’re getting ready for school, doing your homework, or drawing pictures in your room… you have a song in your heart that is constantly overflowing.
In the last year you have really blossomed. While you’re still a bit hesitant when approaching a new crowd or activity, you’re determined to try new things. You also know what you like and what you don’t like, and tend to be pretty decisive. You are a clear thinker, most of the time connecting the dots before many others in the room. You’ll be great at guessing the endings of movies and books!
You are our resident fashionista. I love seeing the outfits you pick out for school. Most the time you are more put together and accessorized than your mother! I’ve been relying on you for shoe choices since you could talk. Be confident in your sense of style, understanding there’s a difference between being feminine and being sexy.
You love to read. I love watching you when you’re reading a good book. You laugh and read aloud the parts you think are funny. You really enjoy the experience. Loving reading will take you far in life. If you can read, you can find information on anything you want to know about.
You are incredibly smart, but I see this may hinder you in life. Because you’re so fast at connecting the dots, you have a hard time when someone tries to guide you toward improvement. You don’t like to be second-guessed or look like you don’t know what you’re doing. I completely understand that… I’m the same way. But what I’ve learned is that not getting it right the first time has nothing to do with how smart I am. Picking myself up, trying again, and doing it over and over until I succeed is what defines me. Learn from my life lesson – it will take you far.
Another hiccup you may encounter is your desire to hold back. While your hesitancy for change will keep you from making hasty decisions is a good thing, it might also keep you from trying things you’d end up loving. Live life a little. Relax. When you’re ready, jump in and try a few crazy things like acting in front of your friends, singing a solo in church, or going to a camp where you don’t know anyone. You never know if you can do something until you try or if you’ll meet your best friend in a new crowd.
Ainsley, like I told your sister, all these things are helpful, but the most important thing is understanding that the Creator of the Universe loves you and wants a relationship with you. The more we seek to know God, the more life comes into perspective. Worrying about clothes, popularity and what other people think of you will drive you to live reactively trying to always fit in. Be yourself. LOVE God. Seek to know Him. It’s there you’ll find your peace.
I love you so very, very much.
Love, Mommy
